University News

Timely Warning: Threat Received

March 26, 2008

MACOMB, IL -- The Office of Public Safety (OPS) at Western Illinois University and Macomb Police are investigating a threat regarding a shooting on campus that was received at an off-campus apartment complex sometime overnight.

According to the Office of Public Safety Director Bob Fitzgerald, an employee of an apartment complex near campus reported receiving a handwritten note in the complex's payment drop-box that indicated there would be a shooting on the WIU campus today.

Residence halls are locked and accessible only by residents with keys. Students who wish to remain in their residence halls and apartments will not be penalized for missing classes today (March 26). Faculty and staff who wish to be absent should contact their supervisors.

"While this is an anonymous off-campus threat, it is imperative that we take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our students, staff and faculty," noted WIU President Al Goldfarb.

Police patrol, including assistance from the Illinois State Police, Macomb Police Department and the McDonough County Sheriff's Office, has been increased and is highly present on the WIU-Macomb campus, Fitzgerald said. Any unusual or suspicious activity should be reported immediately to the Office of Public Safety by calling 9-1-1 from any campus phone or 298-1949. There are also 51 emergency callboxes located throughout campus.

Goldfarb added the University is working with Macomb Police in an effort to find the person or persons responsible for the threat.

"We are investigating this incident, and we will prosecute the individual responsible to the fullest extent of the law," Goldfarb said.

A timely warning alert has been issued using Western's Emergency Alert System.